ELA stands for English Language Arts. It is an academic discipline that focuses on the study and use of the English language in academic settings. ELA encompasses reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It is often taught as a separate subject in elementary and secondary schools. The course focuses on the mechanics of writing, such as grammar, punctuation, and spelling, as well as reading comprehension and literary analysis. In elementary school, ELA classes focus on basic reading, writing, and linguistic/communication skills. In middle school, the curriculum expands to include more complicated reading comprehension, grammar, semantics, and writing skills. The DoDEA ELA program provides students with rich, rigorous educational opportunities that address literacy skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.